Research Design and Scientific Methods in Business Research
Research Design and Scientific Methods in Business Research comprehensively covers research design and how to plan, carry out, and evaluate research through the process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data to generate knowledge. The chosen design will guide and influence the research process, how data is collected and analyzed, how findings are presented, and what claims we can make about reliability and validity. Research design involves science, handicraft and sometimes art, grounded firmly in existing knowledge and theoretical considerations.
The aim of this course is to present major design types and examine the various elements that characterizes them. In this course we cover a wide range of designs relevant for business research, instead of just focusing on a limited subset. Our goal with providing such a broad view of the research process is that it will allow Ph.D. students to recognize strengths and weaknesses of empirical research and to apply this in the design of their own Ph.D projects.
Content from the final paper (if it is chosen to be as an assessment form in the course) can be partially used in the kappa/Ph.D. thesis and will require substantial rewriting.
Knowledge
The candidate…
- is in the forefront of knowledge about research designs and associated sample‐, measurement‐, coding, analysis‐ and interpretation issues, and how to present findings.
- can evaluate the practicality and application of different research designs, methods and processes in business research.
- Is able to contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories, research designs, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation in the field
Skills
The candidate…
- can develop research problems and questions, plan and carry out research projects by developing robust research designs including sound sample, measurement, analysis and interpretation strategies
- can assess the suitability and application of a wide selection of designs, evaluate the value of empirical data and the strength and validity of statements and findings.
- can handle complex academic issues and challenge established knowledge and practice in the field of research design and methods.
General competence
The candidate…
- is able to identify relevant ethical issues and carry out research with scholarly integrity.
- will be better producers, evaluators and users of research, and to advance further in their scientific career.
- can participate in debates and communicate research through recognized Norwegian and international channels.
